A fresh leadership crisis has erupted in the Accord Party, as key stakeholders announced the suspension of Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, as National Chairman, affirmed Prof. Chris Imumolen as the party’s authentic leader on Thursday.

The decision, reached at a stakeholders’ meeting in Keffi, Nasarawa State, drew representatives from all 36 state chapters of the party.

Led by Ambassador Kabiru Hassan, the gathering said its action was in line with an existing Federal High Court order, which recognises Imumolen as the duly constituted National Chairman.

The stakeholders accused Mgbudem and his deputy of anti-party activities, alleging collusion with political rivals to destabilise the party’s internal cohesion and damage its electoral prospects.

According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the suspended leaders were said to have received monetary inducements to endorse Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in a move described as a betrayal of Accord’s principles.

“The stakeholders of the Accord Party hereby announce the suspension of Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem and his Deputy National Chairman for acts of anti-party activities, including working with enemies of the party to endorse the APGA candidate, Governor Charles Soludo, who is known to be in alliance with the APC,” the communiqué stated.

“If they had even endorsed the APC candidate, it would have been a lesser offence than betraying the Accord family for selfish gains.”

The leaders also issued a stern warning to Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who is reportedly considering joining the party.

They urged him to recognise only the court-affirmed leadership under Imumolen and avoid dealings with the suspended faction to prevent legal and political complications that could threaten his re-election bid.

“Governor Adeleke must be careful not to fall into the trap of illegitimacy. Any alliance with the suspended Mgbudem faction will be null and void. The only recognised and court-backed leadership of the Accord Party is that of Prof. Chris Imumolen,” the stakeholders cautioned.

Reaffirming their commitment to repositioning the party, the leaders pledged to promote internal discipline, unity and adherence to lawful leadership structures as they prepare for upcoming electoral engagements.

In other news, ahead of the 2027 general elections, members of the 1st to 8th Delta State House of Assembly—both serving and former— overwhelmingly adopted President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as their sole candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.

The endorsement, made during an extraordinary session in Asaba, was presided over by the Speaker of the 8th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, and accompanied by a vote of “implicit confidence” in both leaders.

The motion to adopt Tinubu and Oborevwori as sole candidates was moved by Rt. Hon. Halims Agoda, a member of the 1st Assembly and former federal lawmaker, and seconded by Hon. Kris Njokwuemeni of the 2nd Assembly.